Former World Superbike Championship riders Jakub Smrz and Mark Aitchison will get a full season in the MCE British Superbike Championship next year after agreeing to stay on with Splitlath Redmond Aprilia.

Both Smrz and Aitchison made their debut for Splitlath Redmond Aprilia during the second-half of the 2012 season having begun the year competing at international level with the respective Effenbert Liberty Ducati and Grillini BMW teams.

Aitchison joined Splitlath Redmond first, though his campaign was hampered by a hand injury sustained in an accident at Cadwell Park. Despite this, Aitchison proved rapid during his brief tenure on the RSV4 and is looking forward to exploring the bike's full potential now he is fully fit.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to continue on with the Splitlath Redmond team for 2013,” he said. “Ever since I joined the team I have felt like a part their family. The latter half of 2012 was quite difficult for me, coming back from injury and attempting to regain some confidence, but I've been very fortunate to have such a supportive team around me.

“With their patience I was able to come back almost fully fit and build some momentum for next season. We have some big targets for next year, so I'm really looking forward working with my crew and Kuba to put both these Splitlath Redmond Aprilias at the front.”

Smrz, meanwhile, was originally signed as the replacement for injured Aitchison, the Czech rider immediately making his mark in BSB by qualifying on the front row at Assen and scoring points in each of the final three events.

Winner of three pole positions and five podiums at WSBK level, Smrz was thrilled to be getting a full season in the British series.

“I am very happy to re-sign with Splitlath Redmond for 2013. I had the chance to make the last races with the squad this season and really enjoyed the BSB championship and working with all the guys.

“We did three rounds together so now we know what needs to be improved to give me and Mark the best to be on top, but I know this team is able to get us there.

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Ok then let's look at Splitlath's previous riders...
Joe Burns , left of his own accord after one round in his first 'full' 1000c season and has missed his window to really do anything even though he does have talent.
Chris Burns, fast at times but fragile in the head, damaged by a career on **** bikes. God knows what he's doing now.
Hudson K, a legend in his own lunchtime. He peaked long ago and wasn't top level talent by the time he rode for Splitlath.
Jenny Tinmouth, not really BSB level, in fact not BSB level at all.
John Laverty, not the same man he used to be and understandably so. Stick him an another bike and he still would't be top 10.
And then you come to rest of the riders, who are proper top class and have qualified the bike fairly high up. Makes you wonder who was really doing who the disservice.....Most of the british riders aren't as great as you often think they are, and those that are move out of BSB anyway. Sometimes riders are let go for a reason.